Looking for some great Friday afternoon or weekend reading? Follow along with F30POST member DrivenByE30 as he recounts his 17 day European Delivery ‘honyemoon’ with his F30 335i 3 series, in our most epic euro delivery journal yet. Hope your internet connection can handle this!
DrivenByE30’s F30 that he picked up was a 2012 335i Imperial Blue Luxury Line model, with 6 speed manual.
Listen to the first video / sound clip of the BMW M Performance exhaust for the 2012 F30 335i 3 Series. Official BMW Description:
Developed using state-of-the-art CAD and FEM technology, this stainless steel exhaust system enhances the sound quality and volume of the hallmark BMW inline six-cylinder engine. A unique, high-tech look is provided by two chrome-plated 80 mm exhaust tips which are laser-engraved with the M logo. Exhaust backpressure is reduced and a sporty powerful tone is heard (without the droning noise typically associated with some aftermarket exhaust systems) with the BMW M Performance Exhaust System.
The 2013 M6 Coupe (F13) is not on the market yet, but has already received an upgrade in the form of enhanced aerodynamics, now with a standard trunk lip spoiler. The trunk lip spoiler hasn’t been seen on any photos or auto show debut cars, but here are the first photos.
The 2013 M6 coupe begins production next month (July) and will begin deliveries in September.
Here are comprehensive DIY instructions for F30 3 series (and other model) owners for the coding of many electronically controlled functions, such as Auto Start Stop, DVD player in motion, folding mirrors, and a myriad of other features.
Here is a first look at the Kelleners Sport aero kit and exhaust system for the F10 M5. The cosmetic parts include a carbon fiber front spoiler lip, carbon fiber mirror covers, sideskirts, black rear bumper diffuser with carbon fiber fin, and carbon fiber trunk spoiler. Black 20″ Kelleners Hamburg wheels are fitted on the car.
For performance and sound, the Kelleners Sport full exhaust system with valve control has also been fitted. The valve system has been integrated in the rear silencer and can be opened and closed automatically, depending on the RPM and speed of the car. The valve starts in the closed mode at startup, but opens up at approximately 4000 RPM. An Export version (Sound+) is also available. The quad tips are stainless … CONTINUED
Yet another accolade for BMW. The image consulting firm, Reputation Institute, has released its RepTrack 2012, their annual reputation survey, and BMW is this year’s world’s most reputable company. The company moved up from its 4th place ranking in last year’s survey.
BMW scored a total of 80.08 % with second-placed Sony and third-placed Walt Disney scoring 79.31 % and 78.92 %, respectively. Second best automotive company was Daimler at 4th place (78.54%) while VW is ranked 8th (77.04%).
Kasper Ulf Nielsen, executive partner at Reputation Institute said: “BMW has earned the trust and respect of consumers all around the world though its consistent focus on delivering high quality in all of its actions. For a company to earn a reputation above 80 on a global level is … CONTINUED
BMW of North America Selects INRIX Real-Time Traffic Information for its Next Generation Advanced Real-Time Traffic Information Service
Two Companies Collaborate on Navigation Systems That Boost Fuel Economy While Improving Urban Mobility
NOVI, Mich., June 6, 2012 — INRIX, a leading provider of traffic information and driver services, announced at Telematics Detroit that BMW of North America, LLC has selected INRIX’s premium traffic information for next generation connected navigation systems in North America. As part of a multi-year contract, BMW is teaming with INRIX to provide drivers with real-time traffic, traffic-influenced turn-by-turn directions and alerts to accidents and other incidents along their route.
“BMW is taking in-car navigation in bold new directions,” said Bryan Mistele, CEO of INRIX. “Together, we’re shaping a future of the connected car that puts … CONTINUED
For manual BMW fans, there may be hope yet! A knock against manual transmissions now is fuel consumption (compared to the latest autos). With 7, 8 or even 9 gears, automatic and automated transmissions have an efficiency advantage as the extra gears allow for more economical gear ratios (think of really long 7th and 8th gears to improve MPG figures). A manual transmission cannot match this as the spacing of the gears for the shifter become too close to each other. But, we’ve now discovered a patent filed by BMW last year which shows that the company is exploring a manual transmission with 7 or more gears which solves these issues. Porsche by the way, also recently released a 7 speed manual in the new 911 … CONTINUED
Headed by former Brabham Racing employees, Alpha-N is a company focusing on the development of carbon body components in addition to the maintenance as of all BT vehicles (Brabham Racing). Their latest creation is the 1M RS (based on the BMW 1M coupe).
It features a ventilated carbon hood, front fascia add-on carbon lower spoilers, carbon roof, carbon luggage lid spoiler and a carbon rear fascia diffuser.
For engine performance, Alpha-N offers basic upgrades which consist of a remapped ECU, new air intake and exhaust system, all of which provide an addition 70 HP (51 kW / 69 bhp) over the serial 340 HP (250 kW / 335 bhp) for a total of 410 HP (302 kW / 404 bhp).
Other upgrades include a MAC high-performance braking system … CONTINUED
